According to an IPSOS poll, over 85% of East European citizens support the idea of binding EU regulation on renewable energy and energy efficiency. This sheds light on the fact that East Europe, and even the EU in general, is highly dependent on Russian energy import.
Indeed, according to this public opinion survey, this dependency on Russia is considered to be a problem. However, the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency are considered as a remedy to the situation.
The survey was conducted in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary and funded by Greenpeace International. The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso is expected to visit the Visegrad countries on 24 June.
Improving buildings to include double glazing, insulation or better energy labelling are few of the means by which Europe can enhance energy savings. However, many argue that due to their influence, energy companies manage to keep nuclear energy and fossil fuel on the political agenda.
Nevertheless, recent reports show that reaching energy efficiency targets would lead to economic growth, more employment opportunities and a cut in fossil fuel imports. If the EU was to stick to a 35% energy efficiency target, net gas imports would be reduced by a third. This would generate over €390 billion in savings over fossil fuel imports and boost EU employment by 2.3%.
While some may regard 35% as too optimistic and others might consider it as too low, setting a binding target for energy efficiency is important especially because it would enhance energy security in Europe.
Indeed, the coming months are crucial since the climate and energy package is expected to be finalised at a summit this October. Later this month, the European Council is expected to discuss the issue. According to certain reports, all efforts at an EU level will be mobilised to make sure that by October the EU would have a sound climate and energy package. However, Poland is trying to postpone discussions till next year.
On the other hand, reports also show that there is the intention to reinforce emergency measures and solidarity mechanisms. These measures would be needed especially when there is the risk of energy supply disruption in the short term. These are especially needed by member states that are considered to be vulnerable. In order to reinforce such measures, one may take into consideration gas storage measures, infrastructure and flexible transport which would enable fuel to be rapidly moved to areas facing shortages.
After the workshop hosted by the Danish and German governments in Brussels, the European Council is expected to discuss the package on 26 June. By September, the EU Energy Efficiency Review is expected to be published; while a climate summit in New York will be hosted by the UN. Unless there are no hindrances, the European Council will agree on climate and energy targets by October. While in December 2015, the UNFCCC Climate Summit will be held in Paris where leaders will agree on the outline of a legally binding climate treaty, which would be applicable at a global level.
By 2020, the EU will be faced by a deadline to have the use of greenhouse gas reduced by 20%, when compared to 1990 levels, and to have up to 20% use of renewable energy. There is also a non-binding target to have 20% energy efficiency when compared to levels in 2005.
Having binding energy targets for 2030 would generate the political momentum needed for reforms to kick-start. Focusing on energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy are indeed two important factors which would help in enhancing energy security in the EU and thus alleviate the dependency on Russian imports.
David Casa is a PN MEP